**Need Setup HELP** with Classic Amiga 2000 HARD DISK (Bridgeboard)

[wbrejnia]

NO.  POWER OFF, POWER ON, did not do the job to Boot from C: drive.

I KNOW SOMETHING I DID (just before the IDE BOOT worked)

There was a Aboot.ctrl file when I first powered on. (after installing Lo-tech and IDE drive)

I removed it, then I did a (reboot), not sure if (CTRL-ALT-DEL) or (CRTRL-AMIGA-AMIGA)

I think CONTROl-ALT-DEL

Maybe the Aboot.ctrl File somehow enabled AutoBooting on AMIGA (then removing it, forced reboot to PC IDE since no HARD FILE POINTER)

I am going to try an replicate.

[wbrejnia]

Here you go.

:banana: Working!!   :banana:

-> C: Drive (32 Mb Partition) Auto boot on Amiga 8086 Bridgeboard
-> MS Dos 6.2 (fdisk/adisk created)
-> Lo-Tech-ISA-IDE-CF Adapter
-> Secure Digital IDE-SDcard Adapter



I actually can't say exactly what is making this work.

I think it's a double trick technique.

1a) I leave the Aboot.CTRL file in SYS:PC/System  (EMPTY File, or 1 space)
1b) It has to be there, or else problems

2a)  For Lo-Tech and SD Adapter, it appears let PC boot once (it doesn't pick up Lo-Tech Adapter)
2b) CTRL-ALT-DEL PC and 2nd time it does. (not 100% but appears that way)

More testing to do....To Confirm things.

Once I have stable replication, I'll try a new WorkBench Build.
Also need to try DJmount and Format,  (I already disk FDISK Partition #2)

:cool:  :cool: Cool Eh!!   :cool:  :cool:

So much work/persistence, and everyone's help has paid off.

Time for a Dummy Chapter soon..... !!
Few more chapters to go.  Dummy Book not quite yet Finished.

[wbrejnia]

Thanks Everyone.

I couldn't have done it without you all.   Seriously!

I've been using Liquid Chalk Marker on all my test disks.
This is the one that worked last night.  It the same one that worked when RLL Drive woke up.
LUCKY DISK!!

The Bridgeboard disk is my original.  Not readable at all.

I put together this Frame for my office that will proudly hang on my wall and a memory of this Challenge, overcome.

A memory of last few weeks of endurance, persistence and meeting some nice Helpful Folks on the Forum.



Journey is not quite over, but I see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Onward...

[wbrejnia]

NEXT STEPS

I can now relax a bit and take things slower.
I made 3 copies of working Workbench disk and stored one safely.

Good that I posted some photo's on Flicker, since my SD card from Camera just died from over use (taking in and out of camera/computer) 20 times a day for weeks.

I do have some good evidence.  I know how things work.

I posted the success with Lotech on Vintage computer Forum
http://www.vcfed.org/forum/showthread.php?17986-XTIDE-Universal-BIOS/page35

I am still not 100% sure if my theories are correct, but I think they are.

I actually know how I stumbled on this fix (last night).
My workbench PC folder is a mess.  The icons are on top of each other.
When I wanted to click on PC window, I click on PC-RESET icon instead.(I remember clearly doing that).  
So when I opened PC window, the XT booted twice before I opened it.
(IF I didn't do that I would never know it could work.  SUPER LUCKY)
That PC-Reset is like CTRL-ALT-DEL, but works better.

Now if I do PC-RESET after first opening PC-Window.
 ISA/IDE adapter works EVERY TIME.
 It appears to work like this:
---> Aboot.CTRL enabled autobooting
--->  and PC-RESET (initialized Adapter, since first boot doesn't).  
--------- > MAGIC Solution!!!  <---------------

Plan for next steps is:

- Rebuild a new Workbench from Scratch and make it work like I think it will work (Aboot.CTRL, PC-Reset)
- During testing last night, Janus woke up.  I think it was part of Aboot, or RESET. Not sure (will test to see if Adisk,Aread,Awrite works)
- Will test DJMOUNT and FORMAT of JH0:

- WHen I have a few working solutions, I will test with kickstart 3.1
- Depending if Bootable Amiga Drive (Janus works) build a AMIGA OS on hard drive (SD card)

- I may try to rebuild RLL Drive in 486, make it bootable, with the Tools Raffelle provided (by Firehose )
- Whatever the result, I'll probably sell the WD/RLL combo with proof 100% working SPINRITE, Norton tested.

Then on move to final assembly of Amiga 2000

- GOTEK (Retro Multi-Pack) will have multiple Floppies Nicely organized

-----------> NORMAL WORKBENCHES
--->  Workbench 1.2
--->  Workbench 1.3
--->  Possibly Workbench 3.1
---> etc... (open to suggestions)

--------->  Special Workbenches
----> Workbench with Working (HARD FILE BOOT, off DF0: [stripped workbench] )
----> Will try Classic Workbench  for fun http://classicwb.abime.net/
---> etc... (open to suggestions)

---------> Workbench with Bridgeboard PC AutoBoot
-------> Lotech ISA/IDE -->SD Adapter (C: D: Drive), Maybe Ranish booter
---> DOS 3.1 Vanilla
---> DOS 6.2 Vanilla
---> DOS Tools (Norton DD, Spinrite, RANISH!!! etc,etc)
---> DOS / Windows 1.0/2.0
---> etc... (open to suggestions)

-------->  AMIGA Tools Disks
---> Copy ADF (Xcopy, etc)
---> SysInfo
---> Amiga Explorer Client
---> etc... (open to suggestions)

-------->  AMIGA GAME Floppies
---> Copy all my 3.5" floppy games (about 50).  Maybe multiple USB sticks.


Plenty of work to do.  This will take weeks, since I need to get back to my fish tanks.

Will I sell this Amiga after all this work and journey.  Not sure.
But if I do, it will be a very nice package.    Fully documented and tested.
Won't be cheap sale with everything included.  
(Sale will be to buy that nice Fish Tank light I've always wanted)

At the end, I have a special POST that I will end this thread with.
YOUTUBE video of something really REALLY cool (that I did during testing).  SECRET Surprise.

[wbrejnia]

Even though I have a nice to do list above, I feel too worn down to tackle much more.  

I need to step away for a while, and enjoy the progress.  I know things can work (my HW/SW is fine)
 
I am worried I might find new problems and have to spend too much time figuring things out.

I will only do TWO more things before I tidy up the disaster I created in my office,
and take care of my fish tank, which are a mess/unstable. (after weeks of neglect)

With New Workbench disk - Clean Bridgeboard Install (WB1.2)

- Prove "if AutoBoot is needed" to start LoTech, or just PC restart
- Test if Bridgeboard / LoTech / AutoBoot works with Kickstart 3.1

When I started this Amiga rebuild, it was a 1-2 weekend plan, not 6 weeks.

The AMIGA/bridgeboard thing just grew and grew and took over my life.

I call it the AMIGA INVASION.

You can see my office Before(top) and Now (below).



I'll be back .. ... ...

Wally

[wbrejnia]

UPDATE on Follow-up Testing

- I put in Kickstart 3.1 ROM and my Last-Working WB1.2 disk with Lo-Tech ISA/IDE -> IDE/SD-Card Boot for Bridgeboard PC.  (WORKS Just the same)

- But when I tried a previous Workbench 1.3 without ABoot.init file (doesn't work, works only with B: Floppy)
- I quickly just created the ABoot.init file (manually) (doesn't work)

Summary:

There is something special about that WB disk I created to make the Lo-Tech Adapter to work (Init) and for BB PC to boot (C: Drive).

I'll find out what.

Stay tuned.... More to come....

[wbrejnia]

Raffaelle,

You are a regular SUPER GOOGLE engine MASTERMIND!!

Thanks.  This thread is becoming an Encyclopedia of knowlege.

[wbrejnia]

I was thinking of Selling this Amiga.

I am getting Emotionally Attached (after all this discovery and hard work), and can't imagine doing that.

I don't even think I will sell the RLL drive/WD controller, it's special.

Still thinking of doing the Donation to High School (if they want it).  
At least I can visit, and load up more Raffaelle information on the SD card LIBRARY BANK.

I can find another way of making money for my Fish Tank dreams.

After I copy all the floppies onto GOTEK, and some USB drives.

I can sell the floppies like this. (To make $$) : )
https://www.amazon.ca/PHT-Silicone-Blanked-Inches-coasters/dp/B00R87RPX8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1488419604&sr=8-1&keywords=3.5%22+floppy+disk+labels

[wbrejnia]

Wondering what the Computer Box thing is that I found in my Dad's Garage.

I posted a picture on the Vintage Computer forum and someone replied.

Appears I have the NGEN computer  Graphics Modules, Hard Drive Modules, and Floppy module

(not quite the same, but very similar as shown in Link Below)
http://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/2964/Convergent-Technologies-AWS-NGEN-Workstation/

[wbrejnia]

How bad it is consumed by rust.

Pretty bad rust on back and bottom, but plastic parts are ok.

100% is it broken, but as artifact is it ok.

It will be fun to look inside, but it may fall apart.
Funny, the table I put it on had spider web built around it after a few days, so there was a spider inside.
I put in garage for now.

This museum take old computer donations. http://www.computinghistory.org.uk/
I can email them to see if they want it, before I break apart.

[wbrejnia]

There is also the formula not donating the Computer but leave it in concession for free use...

(When you want it for yourself, you can get it back)

But if someone want donating or concessing something interesting nowadays, I will leave in concession to the School an A4000 a least with 68060 Expansion, VGA Card, 32 MB of memory and a Ethernet card, else they could not going to internet.

Good idea. I will talk to teacher at next parent teacher interview.
Maybe I can be a guest speaker and show old DOS, WIndows, and how slow computers used to be.
Lending computer to kids won't be much use to them. They need instruction, or demo.
Bring for a few hours, or few days, and take back home.
I bet teacher would like to see Windows 1.0.  I want to see it running on 8086 myself.

[wbrejnia]

One more purchase for my A2000.

Local seller 10 minutes drive from my house.
Free pickup.
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/272539818475?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

He is selling all keycaps from a broken A2000 keboard.  Just what I needed.

If you look at the picture of my A2000 at the top of this thread, it has been missing the LEFT-SHIFT-KEY.  

Pain to type on.  Looks bad.
This is small price for big improvement.

[wbrejnia]

Discontinued Wireless Keyboard + Wireless Mouse PS+2USB Logitech Desktop Navigator were perfect for Amiga as it sports PS2 connectors too and double WINDOWS keys (Not just one on the left as modern keyboards ones) that could be used as RightAmiga LeftAmiga.

In the years I bought 3 sets of them (last is used from Ebay) for using it on my Amigas and have some replaces.

If you find some good offers on Ebay, purchase it! It worths its price.

Do you mean something like this?
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/EXTERNAL-KEYBOARD-INTERFACE-for-AMIGA-2000-3000-/172166297482?hash=item2815e9378a:g:lsoAAOSw7KJXDhmx
Bit pricey.  (I already have a keyboard, just need to make it work properly)

Plus I still haven't figured out my Keyboard mapping on the PC side (I love that ALT+ASCI-Code trick.  I played with some settings KEYB, USA etc. That made things worse.

I am going to look for a DOS keyboard code DUMP program something like this
http://delphiforfun.org/programs/utilities/KeyCodes.htm

If I can just click on the keys.  Find keycodes and then customize the keyboard map properly that would be easiest.

[wbrejnia]

NEXT PROJECT [ GOTEK SETUP ]

I am going to tackle the GOTEK setup next.

I need to get back to my fish tank project.... (Some of my Corals are dying since I have done zero chemistry maintenance over last month)
....... so reverse engineering the working Workbench/Bridgboard/ISA-IDE-Adapter is a big undertaking (and could be complex)

I want to tackle something a bit easier, which will get me organized.

** IF I LEND this computer to Son's High School, or do demo.....it needs to be simple to run **

1) I wish to understand the GOTEK and how it works (is managed)
---> It works just out of the box with the Unit I purchased
----> http://www.ebay.ca/itm/182422877030?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
------> I have it setup as DF1 (I change the jumped on the A2000 Motherboard) and used the twist ribbon cable
-----------> It works really good:
------------->> (I can boot from DF0: floppy)
------------->> (I can boot from DF1: Gotek), if I don't put a 3.5" Floppy in DF0:
------------->> (I can hook up external A1010 Floppy Drive as DF2: for reading and writing, and great for copying)

------------->> I am using the USB stick with a single Amiga ADF loader
---------------------> Loader boots Amiga with WB and a menu system (MENU DISPLAY ON AMIGA)
---------------------> I can copy in ADF file IMAGES onto USB stick
---------------------> Loaded allows me to put/assign the file Images into 0-100 Slots
-------------------------------> Then I can either switch to the slot during WB running. (And new Floppy shows up on Workbench Screen in DF1: )
-------------------------------> Or I can boot directly from the Slot (ie A workbench in that Slot)

So What I'm trying to figure out is a few things.

----> Amiga Loader is nice:
---------> But is there a way to load ADF files into SLOT via my Windows PC? (I think so, with the Windows Image manager)
---------> All the software is on HXC Website
-------------->> http://hxc2001.com/download/floppy_drive_emulator/
---------> This is the Image Loader Manual
--------------> http://hxc2001.com/download/floppy_drive_emulator/HxC_Floppy_Emulator_Software_User_Manual_ENG.pdf
--------------> Going to play with it to figure it out.

So I think I'll be able to set things up using both the Amiga ADF loaded and this HxC image Manager.

The images then go into GOTEK into Slots 01-100

Selectable by Amiga Loader or the (Simple 3 digit LCD display) on GOTEK, and you can use up/down buttons on Gotek.
----> To Manage content, you have to have a paper-list with what is in each slot
----> Or you name the files and use the AMIGA loader.
---------> That be difficult when Amiga WB is running to move to proper disk (so paper list is needed)

I am thinking of doing something like this (An IC2 LCD Module DISPLAY for Gotek)
----------> It will allow me to view the SLOTs (on LCD display) to pick the right image without looking at paper list.
http://www.retrovia.ie/showthread.php/15916-Amiga-600-Floppy-Emulator-Mod-(with-LCD)-*Updated
----> I have a few of these modules for my Audino/Raspberry PI
----------> https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00SMM6C64/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
----> What I have to figure out is wiring via IC2, and if the Gotek HxC image support LCD display

SMALL project.  (I think this needs to go into Separate Thread, or Find a Thread with step by step setup details)

[wbrejnia]

I'd be surprised if a school would take it in a donation.  I noticed a while back they are getting picky, they don't want anything old that their it staff won't be able to support.

Around here its pretty much just chromebooks.

I know what you mean.
My wife thinks the Amiga is a Fire Hazzard (I do power it off, and have a fire extinguisher near by).  She also thinks the Amiga Monitor is a Radiation hazzard (She could be correct)

But the school has a photography course, and they do real old Film and paper development.  I had a darkroom setup, and donated it, since they only had one, and now they have two.

But Darkroom enlargers are simple and don't catch on fire and easy to support.

** SO MAYBE just a demo for my Son's friends in our house basement is about as good as I get **

[wbrejnia]

Just because the Amiga is old doesn't make it a fire hazard.  Samsung an Apple phones are more of a fire hazard

Hah

Now I know what this Smiley really is    :flame:

It's a Guy Texting on his Not-So-Old Samsung Phone :laugh1:

BTW...

I found the the wiring for the Gotek LCD Display (really simple)
http://torlus.com/floppy/forum/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=1782&p=15294#p15294

ALL HOOKED UP....


I just need to figure out the right HxC Firmware/SW Image to install on the Gotek.
The Gotek already came with the HxC base firmware, for USB flash updates.  No need for Serial Cable hook up.

Yup, I'm procrastinating from starting my Fish Tank  Ardiuno Doser Project, which will be a lot of careful/painful programming.  No fumbling like re-building the Amiga.

Has to be tested 100% perfect, since too many (ml) of chemicals will kill hundreds of $ of Live Corals.